Osariya - a garment of many colours and textures (2019)

The customs and symbols of different cultures have always inspired fashion. It borrows and creates the new on the foundations of the old. When objects lose every connection to their history and tradition, they become empty symbols of exoticism. The Sri Lankan Kandyan-style photo shoot portrays contemporary fashion with the elements of traditional Kandyan clothing. These traditions have shaped the aesthetics and values of the community that I belong to. The collection re-energies conventional styles with a bold, colourful twist incorporating iconic dress elements. Vibrant-coloured hand-loomed garments are key features throughout the looks as we embrace the nostalgia of the past while looking to the future. These unique fashion perspectives of Sri Lankan culture and fashion have been implemented in fashion film production. I have always been amazed by vibrant cultures and colours, which create social identity dilemmas and controversy within people and their cultural beliefs in different parts of the world. By creating this fashion-moving image, I intended to bring some of those elements to life so everyone can enjoy fashion beyond fashion.